In the Shadow of the Capitol
It took a little legwork for developer Alger Stoneburner to get his Congressional Overlook luxury condominium project approved for construction. However, that’s to be expected when you’re building six brand-new luxury condominiums across the street from the Congressional Office Buildings, and just a block or two away from the U.S. Capitol. “Because these homes front Federal buildings, our design had to be approved by the Commission of Fine Arts and the Historic Preservation Review Board,” says Stoneburner. “It was quite a process, but in the end we were able to build these incredible homes in an unbelievable location.”
The location, on D Street Southeast—also within walking distance of the new Nationals Park baseball stadium-—puts Congressional Overlook smack in the middle of the halls of power. “I’ve had a couple of realtors tell me this is the most powerful address in the country,” laughs Stoneburner, “not including 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.” According to Stone-burner, these are the first new residences to be constructed this close to the Capitol in over 100 years.
Thanks to all that oversight and review, as well as the careful work of project architects W.J. Maiden and Associates and Eric Colbert and Associates, and contractor McCullough Construction, the exterior design of Congressional Overlook blends in perfectly with the historic buildings surrounding it. Even details such as the color of the mortar and the exact type of brickwork lend authenticity.
Inside, the two-level homes feature two bedrooms, two and a half baths, formal living and dining areas and a contemporary kitchen. Lower units have both balconies and patios, while upper units have a unique rooftop terrace accessed through a power-operated skylight/door that opens at the touch of a button. Granite countertops, custom cabinetry and heated bathroom floors are just some of the details that combine to make Congressional Overlook an oasis in the heart of Washington, DC.
Beyond the interior’s fit and finish, the walls of these homes hold their own surprise. “We went overboard on engineering, because I wanted these homes to be quiet and restful retreats from the pace of the city,” Stoneburner explains. “And a big part of that is noise reduction. We chose to go with eight-inch thick cinderblock construction, clad in brick, which resulted in 12- to 15-inch thick walls. These homes are built to provide a mental haven from the outside world.”
Only four of the original six homes remain available at Congressional Overlook. Prices start at approximately $3 million. For more information, contact Alger Stone-burner at 443-454-2905, or Katy Jordan at 540-364-6909.
Elevator Condos at Bulle Rock
The Residences at Bulle Rock in Havre De Grace, Maryland, has plans to add 144 elevator condominium homes to the resort-style community, known for its five star Bulle Rock Golf Course—home to the McDonald’s LPGA Championship.
Construction on the first two buildings is scheduled for mid-2009; Ryan Homes, which has already built and sold a total of 112 condominium homes at Bulle Rock, has been commissioned for the project. “We have experienced a high level of market demand for Ryan’s homes and look forward to continuing that,” says Brenda Desjardins, a spokeswoman for The Residences at Bulle Rock.
Developed by Manekin, LLC, Clark Turner and H&S Properties Development Corporation, the gated community will ultimately comprise approximately 2,200 single-family, villa and condominium homes built by Clark Turner Signature Homes, D.R. Horton, NVHomes, Ryan Homes and Ryland Homes. All homes will feature first-floor owners’ suites, open floor plans, vaulted ceilings, garages and additional luxury amenities.
Located near I-95, between Baltimore and Wilmington, Delaware, The Residences at Bulle Rock’s centerpiece is the 37,000-square-foot Residents’ Club, which features indoor and outdoor pools, a cardiovascular health and wellness center, tennis and bocce courts, a cyber café and much more. For more information, call 410-939-8700 or visit www.bullerock.com.
A High-Style Grain Elevator
Constructed in 1923, Baltimore’s Silo Point was once the largest, fastest grain elevator in the world. Today, the 24-story tower has been converted into a condominium community overlooking Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, with 360-degree views of the city skyline. Featuring more than 200 contemporary condominium and penthouse units, this luxury enclave offers a choice of more than 30 floor plans, as well as a sky lounge, a nine-story parking facility and easy access to the nearby Locust Point and Federal Hill neighborhoods. To help buyers visualize each uniquely designed space, five different designers were engaged to create interiors in Silo Point’s model homes. The result is a wide variety of styles:
For more information, call (410) 539-7456 or visit www.silopoint.com.